Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a belter of a dish that's both comforting and easy? Have you ever craved stuffed pepper casserole without all the faff of stuffing individual peppers? This recipe is your answer.
It delivers all the flavours, but in a fraction of the time.
Brief Overview
Deconstructed stuffed peppers are a classic for a reason. They bring together the warmth of home cooking. This version simplifies things, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This ground beef casserole feeds around 6-8 people and takes just over an hour from start to finish.
Main Benefits
Let's be real. This easy casserole recipes is proper good for you. It's packed with veggies and protein. Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak some extra goodness into your family's diet.
This comfort food casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a satisfying midweek meal. What makes it special? It’s the simplicity.
It's all the best parts of bell pepper recipes without any of the fuss.
Let's Talk Ingredients
To nail this lush stuffed pepper casserole , you will need a few bits and bobs. You'll need beef mince, rice, crushed tomatoes, peppers, cheese, herbs, and beef stock.
You can tweak the ingredients as you see fit. Use sausage if you're feeling fancy or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option,
What's so Great About Casseroles?
Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? They are basically a warm hug in a dish. And this recipe, well, it's the bee's knees .
It is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty, but don’t have the energy to slave away in the kitchen.
It's a proper one-pan dinner idea , so washing up is a breeze.
My Mates Rave About It!
I remember once, I made this for my mates after a particularly brutal football match. Honestly, they were over the moon!.
The aroma alone was enough to bring them back from the brink. I call this unstuffed pepper bowl the hangover cure.
They polished off the entire dish in minutes. That's when I knew this recipe was a winner.
Beyond Beef
Don't fancy beef mince? No worries. Try using turkey mince or even a vegetarian mince alternative. It will still taste amazing.
You can also turn this into a stuffed pepper casserole vegetarian dish by using lentils and extra veggies. The possibilities are endless, mate.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment, Yeah?
Right then, ready to dive into the nitty gritty of what you'll need for this cracking stuffed pepper casserole ? Don't worry, it’s not complicated.
Think of it like this: we're building a deconstructed stuffed peppers , but in comfort food casserole form.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you’ll need. I've included both US and metric for those of us who like a bit of both!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is just for a bit of greasing up when we sauté.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 200g). A brown onion does the trick.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (roughly 6g). Adds that lovely garlicky punch.
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680g). Look for lean ground beef, about 80/20 is perfect. You could also use ground turkey for a lighter take.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Adds that classic Italian vibe.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Goes so well with tomatoes.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g). Season to your liking.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g). Adds a bit of warmth.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Essential for that tomato base.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml). This can be vegetable if you want a stuffed pepper casserole vegetarian .
- Uncooked Long Grain Rice: 1 cup (185g), rinsed. Rinsing stops it from going all gluggy.
- Bell Peppers: 3 (about 600g), chopped. Red, yellow, and green is a lovely mix!
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded (170g). Mature cheddar gives the best flavour.
Honestly, that is the base for easy casserole recipes .
Seasoning? Sorted!
Oregano and basil are the key players here. Salt and pepper are your friends. Don't be shy! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth, too.
I often add a little Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavour. Just a dash! This takes your ground beef casserole to another level.
This is a great base for even an unstuffed pepper bowl !
Gear You'll Need
Nothing too fancy here!
- Large Skillet or Pot: Big enough to brown the mince.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking that baked rice casserole .
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For obvious reasons.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping those bell pepper recipes and onion.
That's it. Simple, isn't it? This one-pan dinner ideas is a winner. Let's get cooking!
Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Your New Weeknight Hero!
Forget rolling individual stuffed peppers! Honestly, who has the time? This stuffed pepper casserole is your answer. It's all the flavour you crave, baked into a super easy, one-pan dinner idea .
Think of it as the unstuffed pepper bowl taken to the next level of deliciousness.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and dice those colourful bell peppers. Honestly, doing this beforehand saves a tonne of time.
Time saving organization tips : Get the rice rinsing while you're prepping the veggies. It's a simple step that really helps. And remember kids, always use a cutting board.
step-by-step: From Chaos to Casserole
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Brown ground beef. Drain off any excess grease, because, well, no one wants a greasy casserole.
- Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix in rinsed rice and chopped bell peppers.
- Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes .
- Remove foil, top with shredded cheddar, and bake for another 15 minutes , until cheesy and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. That allows the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
Want to kick it up a notch? Use a mix of cheeses! Cheddar and mozzarella is my go-to, but Monterey Jack also adds a nice creaminess.
If you want a stuffed pepper casserole vegetarian version, swap the beef for veggie mince. Works a treat!
Don't overcook the rice! No one wants a mushy baked rice casserole . Make sure to rinse it well before adding it to the mixture.
You can even prep this whole ground beef casserole ahead of time! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge.
Then, bake it when you're ready to eat. Talk about a comfort food casserole win! This will also work if you want to create deconstructed stuffed peppers .
The best part? This stuffed pepper casserole gives you all the satisfaction of the original, but is way less fussy. It's a perfect, yummy bell pepper recipes you can throw together. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Right then, let's chat about a few things. This stuffed pepper casserole is pretty straightforward. But a few nuggets of wisdom can elevate it from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, presentation matters, right? Think beyond just plopping a spoonful of this comfort food casserole onto a plate. Get a bit fancy.
A sprig of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings a nice coolness to the party.
For sides, a crisp green salad balances the richness, or go full comfort with some buttery garlic bread. A light lager or iced tea is a shout for beverages.
Honestly, think simple but effective.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers of this easy casserole recipes ? Lucky you! Let it cool completely, then bung it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days . Want to freeze it? Go for it! Portion it out first, then wrap it well in freezer bags or containers.
It'll keep for up to 3 months . Reheating? Oven is best - 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Microwave works in a pinch.
Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It
Fancy a change? Let's talk variations. Want a stuffed pepper casserole vegetarian version? Easy! Swap the ground beef casserole for lentils or a vegetarian mince.
Boom! For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice instead of regular rice works great. Seasonal swap? Courgettes instead of bell peppers when they're in season! Seriously, it's your dinner, your rules.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Dish
Alright, numbers time. This baked rice casserole , based on 8 servings, is roughly 350-400 calories per serving. Packed with protein (around 25-30g ) thanks to the beef, and a decent hit of fiber from the bell pepper recipes .
Of course, this is just an estimate. It depends on what you chuck in. Ultimately, this isn't just delicious. This one-pan dinner ideas are also pretty good for you too!
So there you have it. You're now armed with all the knowledge to conquer this unstuffed pepper bowl . Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of a casserole, isn't it? You can assemble the entire stuffed pepper casserole (without the cheese topping) a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the cheese and bake as directed when you're ready to serve.
It’s like having a ready meal, but, you know, good!
My casserole is watery, what did I do wrong?
A watery casserole can happen if your rice wasn't properly rinsed, or if the tomatoes were particularly juicy. Make sure you rinse the rice really well under cold water before adding it to the casserole.
Also, you can try using less broth or simmering the tomato mixture for a few extra minutes on the hob to reduce some of the liquid before baking. Think of it like brewing a proper cuppa it's all about finding the right balance!
How do I store leftover stuffed pepper casserole?
Leftovers are the best! Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven until heated through.
Just like a good Sunday roast, it tastes even better the next day!
What are some good substitutions for ground beef in this stuffed pepper casserole recipe?
Loads of options, mate! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic lean alternatives to ground beef, keeping the flavour profile similar. For a veggie option, you could use a plant based mince or a mixture of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms or courgettes.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using vegetables that release a lot of moisture.
Can I freeze this deconstructed stuffed pepper casserole?
Yes, freezing is a great way to have this recipe on hand. It's best to freeze it before baking or after baking. Allow the casserole to cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil (or place in a freezer safe container). It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly in the oven. You might want to add a little extra cheese on top when reheating to perk it up!
What kind of rice is best for stuffed pepper casserole and is it important to rinse it?
Long grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, works best in this stuffed pepper casserole, as it stays relatively separate during baking. Rinsing the rice is important because it removes excess starch, preventing the casserole from becoming gummy or sticky.
A good rinse helps create a better texture, making each bite more enjoyable, just like a perfectly cooked plate of rice and curry!
Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |